Dear Brave Teachers Readers,

Thank you for being here and patient.  Please know that even though I've been oddly absent, you have been in my thoughts.  I figure some of you have been in a similar spot as I.  It has felt like a perfect storm of a month.  I spent 2 solid weekends in classes.  I was pushing ahead as a teacher attempting to do my job well,  I've been a mom, a wife, and a friend.  I've had family obligations.  I am a business woman moving forward.  I finished the grading period.  I set some unattainable goals.  I was/am sick, and so is my little son--not surprising!

The end is in sight!  I feel like I'm just popping up into the light.  I want to offer you the goodness of my heart--as soon as I see that I'm up and running.  Has anyone else out there had that perfect storm?  Doesn't it feel great when you see the light on the other side?  I've almost made it to Spring Break!

Can I just encourage you to be patient with yourself and the people around you?  Please.   It's hard to know who is really struggling to keep their head up.  Patience is the word of the day!

Find out what's happening next with Brave Teachers--join the email community here.

Here's a little self care tip:

Let some Spring into your life.

Where can you go or what can you do for just a few minutes, a few hours, or a whole day that permits new life in?

To be honest, life has been on overdrive, but I fully intend to spend some time inviting new life in--just as the summer-like weather is supposed to break.  I'm hoping to spend time sitting in the sunshine, walking in the woods, or raking dead leaves out of my flower beds.It might be a kick 10 minute walk up the street, but it will be something.

What are you going to do to invite some Spring into your life?

I read this over at Kindness Girl today:

All we have to do is be brave and kind.

Yep!  It's easy to read, and it's easy to write, but it's so hard to believe and do.

It got me to thinking and searching the web for more brave and kindness goodness, and I found this great list on iMom about teaching kids to be brave and kind.  If you work with kids, check it out.

P.S.  Don't you just love the daffodils?  They're everywhere around me these days.

I'm sending you courage and kindness with every daffodil I see!

Here's a little question to write or think about today:

What is something you can "spring clean"  out of your life?

This could be tangible items or scheduling glitches or relationships or whatever comes to your mind.


Can you believe Spring is use around the corner?  I can't believe that here in Ohio the birds are chirping, the rain is falling, and we have or windows flung wide open.  It's a great time of year, but it can also feel overwhelming.  This week I'm going to think about what I can let go of --in order to more fully enjoy my life and work.  I invite you to do the same, beautiful heart.  You are so worthy of all life holds for you each day.  

A blessing for us all today:

May the journey today 
lead down the path of overflowing abundance.  
May there be 
An abundance of love
An abundance of serenity
And an abundance of hope.

And may we learn to give graciously and generously from the abundance we receive.

You're in my thoughts today, brave hearts.  Know that you are thought of with fondness and kindness.

I just found a great way to support Brave Teachers who have had lost their school, home, community in the tornadoes of the past couple weeks.  PLEASE follow THIS LINK to see how you can help, too!

A brave blessing for your heart today:

May you give yourself permission today
To make your mark on the world.
To make your mark on hearts.
To make your mark on minds.